Jim McCall and the Country Royals
“A Rambler and Rover” b/w “Crying”
Vetco Records
The records that sound otherworldly. The records that sound like they should not exist. The records that might as well have been made by a martian. These are what I search out. These are what captivate me. The feelings attached to such recordings and performances are what fuel every single dig, in-the-dark stab, and blind grab that I’ve done on behalf of records in the past ten years. And Jim McCall’s “A Rambler and Rover” is an example unparalleled of such platitudes and designations. The sounds are not necessarily complex or even unheard of, but the particular performance and presentation of them is just so, perfect really, that it stands alone, as if under a spotlight, shining. The minor-key bend to McCall’s vocals is sublime. Just…takes your breath away.
Been all about this one for a while now, but only this week did I manage to actually grab a copy. And at 100 euros, I feel like it was an absolute steal. Cincinnati, 1968…I definitely would have liked to be in the room when this was laid down. Close your eyes and get in the headspace.
Really nice, Ben. Thanks.
Enjoyed that immensely, thank you. If you’re into this type – check out the Lost Mill. Or better yet, sign ’em. They can play some dark moods (also some happy crowd pleasers, but tend to stay on the somber side of the mountain) good stuff, Jim McCall!
You said Headspace…. creating the parameter of space is one of my favorite music properties… last time I actively thought about it was listening to Stevie Wonder but Slint has always been one of my top five bands that creates that dimension of space also… The Clash never disappointed in that capacity either as I recall…. great approach to collecting BBlackwell!
Out of all the record of the week this is the most interesting. Maybe because it was unexpected, or it’s one that is familiar. But great choice and it does sound otherworldly. I put it up there with Dock Boggs – Down South Blues, Patton- Down the Dirt Road and Hasil’s- She Said..
Thank you for this, Ben. Getting into this headspace took me out of my own on a night when I really needed it.
This is gorgeous. (Not really Martianly gorgeous, to my ears, it’s the fact that it emanates from an earthling out there in the world at the same time as me that makes it gorgeous.)
This is a really great choice for rotw.